The Seattle Seahawks have their first setback involving prized rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba, which is a broken bone in his wrist revealed on Tuesday.
What Happened to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and When Did Ailment Occur?
Smith-Njigba, the Seahawks’ prized 2023 first-rounder, sustained the injury during Seattle’s preseason game at Lumen Field against the Dallas Cowboys this past Saturday.
Per ESPN Insider Adam Schefter, who first broke the story, the rookie from Ohio State injured his wrist on the play where he nearly scored a touchdown. Surgery is required, and Smith-Njigba is set to have it in Philadelphia.
There is good news, however, via Schefter. Smith-Njigba could still be ready for the Seahawks’ Sept. 10 home opener versus the Los Angeles Rams.
Seahawks’ first-round pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba broke a bone in his wrist on the play in which he almost scored Saturday night. He will have it surgically repaired today in Philadelphia. https://t.co/C7oTkoBv94
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 22, 2023
Fantasy Impact of Smith-Njigba’s Injury
Smith-Njigba is an incredibly talented WR that has the route-running savvy to step onto the NFL field and contribute at a high level from Day 1. Unfortunately, the situation that he landed in makes his fantasy football outlook a bit murky due to how many mouths there are to feed in this Seattle offense.
Now with the news that he will require wrist surgery, JSN’s projection for his rookie season becomes even more of a mystery. While initial reports indicate that he may be back by Week 1, wrist surgery for a wide receiver is never a good way to start off your career.
The former Ohio State WR may end up working his way back onto the field slowly as he rehabs, which means that we shouldn’t expect immediate fantasy relevance. He’s still worth adding around his current ADP, but JSN shouldn’t be expected to be plugged in as a starting option for your lineup for the first few weeks.
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As for the other targets in this passing game, DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett should see a slight uptick in work if Smith-Njigba is forced to miss any game action. While their projection for the full season is difficult to determine due to a plethora of weapons in this offense, they should get off to a hot start, and they’re fine options to go after at their current draft cost.
